Battle of Savo Island

The Battle of Savo Island occurred from 8 to 9 August 1942 when a Japanese fleet of 7 cruisers and one destroyer attacked the American invasion fleet of 8 cruisers and 15 destroyers during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Richmond K. Turner's fleet was caught by surprise and thoroughly routed in the worst defeat of the US Navy in a fair fight, with the Japanese using the cover of night to destroy four Japanese ships with light damage to their own ships. The American fleet was forced to withdraw, cutting off the US Marine Corps forces on the island from supplies, equipment, and food.